Putin ‘probably approved’ murder of ex-KGB spy Litvinenko: UK inquiry

President Vladimir Putin probably approved a Russian intelligence operation to assassinate ex-KBG agent Alexander Litvinenko, a judge led-British inquiry into the 2006 killing in London concluded.

President Vladimir Putin probably approved a Russian intelligence operation to assassinate ex-KBG agent Alexander Litvinenko, a judge led-British inquiry into the 2006 killing in London concluded.

Ex-KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko died after ingesting a rare radioactive isotope. (AP Photo)

There was personal antagonism between the two men and Putin and members of his administration had motives for killing him, the inquiry said. The Kremlin has always denied any involvement.

Litvinenko, 43, an outspoken critic of Putin who fled Russia six years before his murder, died after drinking green tea laced with the rare radioactive isotope polonium-210 at a London hotel.

The poisoners were former KGB bodyguard turned lawmaker Andrei Lugovoy and fellow Russian Dmitry Kovtun, the report by senior judge Robert Owen said. Both men have denied involvement.